Chicago, IL- There haven't been many highlights for the Cubs this season. The good news is Starlin Castro, Jeff Samardzija, and Anthony Rizzo have continued to bounce back following poor seasons from all of them. Castro and Rizzo remain to be two core players for the Cubs, but Samardzija doesn't look like he's part of that future anymore.
It's not his talent this year that's affecting his future, but his age. Jeff Samardzija is halfway through his prime this season, and he's built along with players that are suppose to be stars in three or four years. Jeff realizes this, and that adds to his decision on why he hasn't been extended by the Cubs. It's clear Jeff wants to play for a contender now, and not when his production will decrease.
Currently, Samardzija's value is at sky high with his MLB-leading 1.46 ERA. Some trade ideas for Shark could be these:
1. New York Yankees: It's clear that the Yankees need some starting pitching to compete in the AL East with Sabathia, Nova, and Pineda on the disabled-list. Jeff could give the Yankees another ace along with Tanaka. The Cubs would probably want a package with guys such as Adam Warren and Gary Sanchez.
2. Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays are another team in dire need of a starting pitcher with Brandon Morrow on the disabled-list. Aaron Sanchez would probably be a piece of a package for Samardzija.
3. Oakland Athletics: With A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker out for the season, Sanardzija would give the A's another pitcher along with Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Chavez, and Scott Kazmir. Tommy Milone has struggled this season, and Samardzija would take his spot in the rotation. The A's have a good minor league system, so Theo could get guys such as Raul Alcantra.
4. Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are a team just a few pieces away from truly being a contender. They have the pieces to help the Cubs with what they want. If this goes down, I see a trade like:
Cubs send Jeff Samardzija and Junior Lake
Mariners send Nick Franklin and Brandon Maurer (Possibly Tyler Pike)
5. Miami Marlins: The Marlins are a surprise team in contention, and need another front of the line pitcher now with Jose Fernandez out for the season. They could send over prospects such as Andrew Heaney.
6. Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are a contending team with a great lineup, but an iffy rotation. Gettin Samardzija would help their rotation be closer to competing to rotations of the Giants and Dodgers. The Rockies could send over a pitcher such as Tyler Anderson.
-Daniel (DanielDoreCTC)
-(All stats courtesy of MLB.com and SB Nation)
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